So, last night (Thursday), Jeff and I didn’t get home until after 11:00 p.m. (cst). We had golfed 27 holes at Superior National Golf Course in Lutsen, MN, and that is about a 5+ hours from our home. Needless to say, it had been a long day.
I have enough issues with trying to sleep, so it would be unlikely that I could just plop into bed upon returning home. That being said, I poured a big glass of high quality “moo juice”, nestled into my recliner, and turned on the television. I wanted to catch up on the current economic news, but I rarely watch news programs, and really am not into watching CNN or Fox News (although I have to admit there is a strange, indescribable “hotness” to Anderson Cooper). I decided to watch Larry King.
He had four “talking heads” speaking about the economy – 2 liberal and 2 conservative. Somewhat worthless as far as depth and substance - mostly just trying to out-yell each other. One thing I found myself asking is, “How in the hell did Michelle Bachman ever get elected to the House of Reps?”
Where was I? Oh, yeah – Larry King.
After the four “talking heads” were done, King had comedian Chris Rock as a guest. I’m pretty indifferent about Rock. I’ve seen little of his comedy acts, movies, or television work, but I do know that he seems pretty funny. Now, I’m really not into Hollywood stars as political experts, and Rock quickly dismissed himself as a political expert. He is an admitted Obama supporter.
King and Rock were discussing who, of the two major candidates, would be better with regard to the current economic travesty, and Rock, of course, said Obama. King asked why. Rock said that Obama has one home. If he loses that home, he is going to be homeless. McCain has 12 homes if he loses ½ of his homes he still has six.
I thought that was pretty funny. Somewhat pointless, but funny.
Nice to find a chuckle in the midst of a lot of hand-wringing.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
What About Bob?
Budsy Jean, like most of us, is undecided on the current candidates.
My brother Bubba recently wrote in his weekly column that we are too busy picking one side or the other. We demon-ize the other side like they are evil. Truth is, neither Democrats or Republicans, Liberals or Conservatives are evil. They are just wrong. Being misguided doesn't make you evil.
Check out Bob Barr, Libertarian.
There are more than two choices, but is voting for a third candidate a wasted vote or a vote on principle? The only way to get different results is to think differently...and to vote differently, principle over expediency.
My brother Bubba recently wrote in his weekly column that we are too busy picking one side or the other. We demon-ize the other side like they are evil. Truth is, neither Democrats or Republicans, Liberals or Conservatives are evil. They are just wrong. Being misguided doesn't make you evil.
Check out Bob Barr, Libertarian.
There are more than two choices, but is voting for a third candidate a wasted vote or a vote on principle? The only way to get different results is to think differently...and to vote differently, principle over expediency.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Wall Street Gang
So, it's not Friday yet (sad), but I felt it necessary to blog about this.
Occasionally, I'll listen to a radio talk show hosted by Michael Savage ("The Savage Nation"). By his own admission, he says he is more conservative than Rush, so that shows you where he is located philosophically. At times, this man is a raving lunatic, and I get a lot of entertainment value by listening to him. On some issues, I find myself agreeing with him - most of the time I don't.
Last night, I was making dinner and listening to "The Savage Nation" radio broadcast, and he was speaking of the current financial disaster. He started his monologue with the comparison of the guys on Wall Street to street gangs, like the Bloods and Crypts. He called them the "Wall Street Gang", and found them to be far more dangerous. Street gangs may rape and pillage you, but you can generally see them coming at you. You know who they are by the way they dress and the way that they act. He said that the "Wall Street Gang" is dressed really nice, drive really nice cars, and take your money without you even knowing it until it is too late.
He also said that the "Wall Street Gang" succeeded where Osama Bin Laden failed. On September 11th, 2001, OBL used airplanes to attempt to derail the economy. The "Wall Street Gang" didn't even need to use overt violence to thwart our economy, but had much greater success. And, like OBL, the "Wall Street Gang" will likely get away unscathed.
Hmmmm. Who is the real terrorist?
Occasionally, I'll listen to a radio talk show hosted by Michael Savage ("The Savage Nation"). By his own admission, he says he is more conservative than Rush, so that shows you where he is located philosophically. At times, this man is a raving lunatic, and I get a lot of entertainment value by listening to him. On some issues, I find myself agreeing with him - most of the time I don't.
Last night, I was making dinner and listening to "The Savage Nation" radio broadcast, and he was speaking of the current financial disaster. He started his monologue with the comparison of the guys on Wall Street to street gangs, like the Bloods and Crypts. He called them the "Wall Street Gang", and found them to be far more dangerous. Street gangs may rape and pillage you, but you can generally see them coming at you. You know who they are by the way they dress and the way that they act. He said that the "Wall Street Gang" is dressed really nice, drive really nice cars, and take your money without you even knowing it until it is too late.
He also said that the "Wall Street Gang" succeeded where Osama Bin Laden failed. On September 11th, 2001, OBL used airplanes to attempt to derail the economy. The "Wall Street Gang" didn't even need to use overt violence to thwart our economy, but had much greater success. And, like OBL, the "Wall Street Gang" will likely get away unscathed.
Hmmmm. Who is the real terrorist?
Friday, September 19, 2008
Sarah Palin is a twit!
I'm not quite as nice as Bert. I tend to throw punches purely on emotion and defensiveness. At first blush I thought that Palin was a strategic choice for McLame -- maybe claim some females votes, make him look a little younger, etc. However, listening to her interview with Charlie Gibson and reading today that she's putting her name above McCain's when speaking of their ticket, I can only describe her as a twit. There's a one in a three chance of McCain dying while in office. That means there's a 33% chance that she could take the Oval Office, take away a woman's right to choose, send my children to war (God's war, that is) and kill more defenseless animals from helicopters. Not to mention, decimate Alaska with her pipelines. Oh, and by the way, have you heard her mention education? She and McLame don't give a hoot about education funding or repealing or reforming No Child Left Behind.
Today I see reports that her honeymoon period is over. Her approval rating has dropped four points (not that any of these are statistically valid) and her disapproval rating rose eight points. She and her geriatric running mate are in Blaine, Minn. today trying to win over Minnesota. They'll also visit a few more split states trying to do the same. Wake up people -- don't fall for her $2,500 designer jackets and $700 glasses and self-righteous abstinence message (like that worked!).
Today I see reports that her honeymoon period is over. Her approval rating has dropped four points (not that any of these are statistically valid) and her disapproval rating rose eight points. She and her geriatric running mate are in Blaine, Minn. today trying to win over Minnesota. They'll also visit a few more split states trying to do the same. Wake up people -- don't fall for her $2,500 designer jackets and $700 glasses and self-righteous abstinence message (like that worked!).
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Misc. Ramblings
So, I’m having my martini tonight because today is my Friday, and I’m going to try to get back in the habit of blogging every Friday again. I get to golf The Classic at Madden’s tomorrow, and it looks like the weather will be perfect. Hooray! And, the martini tastes really good, too. Yum!
I don’t really know what to write about. I don’t feel very intellectual today. Maybe that is a good thing.
I know that one thing that has been bothering me is the stock market, although we have no control over it. I was watching the NASDAQ today between the hours of 12:00 and 1:00 central time, and I’ve never seen such wild fluctuations in my life. (Actually, I typed ‘fuctuations’, which is really what I’m feeling right now as far as my investments go, but I corrected it to be nice, ‘cuz that is how I am.) I think that I’m going to have to stop looking. It is making my hair fall out. Oh, well. My dad and Dane are pretty handsome bald – maybe I will be, too.
I’m not very happy with McCain’s choice of VP. From the choices available, Palin was not the strongest or the most qualified. Now she is getting crammed down our throats. (Please, no “Well, Obama isn’t qualified either.” arguments – I’m speaking solely about the Republican party at this juncture.) Even die-hard righties who are friends of mine admit that this is likely mostly a ploy for votes. Is that the farce that politics has become? There are times I wish that I could live in a little cabin by Wannaska. Anyone care to join me?
I’m struggling to find someone to vote for. I might have to write myself in. Oh, wait, I really don’t want the job. So then what?
Today is a picture perfect day in Nisswa. The sky is clear blue, the leaves on the trees are just on the cusp of turning to their fall colors, and it is in the upper 70’s. What the hell am I doing by my computer? I’d better get a laptop.
Well, my first martini is almost gone (I always make enough for two). I think that I’ll pour the rest in my glass, sit on my deck, and wait for Jeff to come home. I love listening to the owls. We’ll have frozen pizza in the pizza oven for dinner tonight. Could life be any better?
I don’t really know what to write about. I don’t feel very intellectual today. Maybe that is a good thing.
I know that one thing that has been bothering me is the stock market, although we have no control over it. I was watching the NASDAQ today between the hours of 12:00 and 1:00 central time, and I’ve never seen such wild fluctuations in my life. (Actually, I typed ‘fuctuations’, which is really what I’m feeling right now as far as my investments go, but I corrected it to be nice, ‘cuz that is how I am.) I think that I’m going to have to stop looking. It is making my hair fall out. Oh, well. My dad and Dane are pretty handsome bald – maybe I will be, too.
I’m not very happy with McCain’s choice of VP. From the choices available, Palin was not the strongest or the most qualified. Now she is getting crammed down our throats. (Please, no “Well, Obama isn’t qualified either.” arguments – I’m speaking solely about the Republican party at this juncture.) Even die-hard righties who are friends of mine admit that this is likely mostly a ploy for votes. Is that the farce that politics has become? There are times I wish that I could live in a little cabin by Wannaska. Anyone care to join me?
I’m struggling to find someone to vote for. I might have to write myself in. Oh, wait, I really don’t want the job. So then what?
Today is a picture perfect day in Nisswa. The sky is clear blue, the leaves on the trees are just on the cusp of turning to their fall colors, and it is in the upper 70’s. What the hell am I doing by my computer? I’d better get a laptop.
Well, my first martini is almost gone (I always make enough for two). I think that I’ll pour the rest in my glass, sit on my deck, and wait for Jeff to come home. I love listening to the owls. We’ll have frozen pizza in the pizza oven for dinner tonight. Could life be any better?
Monday, September 15, 2008
Changes
So, I received an e-mail not very long ago titled, ‘Changes’, and it was very appropriate, not only for what was going on in their life, but for what has been going on in my life, too.
Physically, this past year has been kind of a downer for me. I really don’t mind getting older, but I’m at odds with what is happening to me physically. I’ve always been in pretty good shape, and I’ve never had to work terribly hard to keep it that way. I’ve been very, very spoiled. Not so much anymore. Payback is a bitch, as they say. And, I’m having a more difficult time with it than I would have ever guessed. I think that once I can get myself out of my funk, I’ll get myself back on track.
There are few times when a divorce is a cause for celebration, but Jeff’s brother is finally divorcing his wife, who is a clinical sociopath. (An interesting psychological illness – there are more of them than you may realize – do a Google search if interested.) Their sick and sad drama has been going on for about 25 years, and thankfully its conclusion will soon be finalized.
My sister’s husband has lung cancer. It is a cancer that is more typically found in the elderly, and few elderly people can tolerate the strong chemo treatments. My brother-in-law is in his early 50’s and is tolerating the treatments very well. The bad thing is that the cancer is in both lungs (not a good sign). Good points are that the cancer has not spread beyond the lungs and the treatment is showing signs of working. He did smoke and it likely contributed to the cancer. However, his family has a hereditary lung disease that is the primary culprit. It has been a very, very difficult last couple of months.
My Dad’s heart is finally, slowly giving out, and my sister told me last week that the doctor said his time is pretty limited. I’m not devastated. Actually, while I’ll be as sad as anyone when he dies, I’ll be happy to know that he is free and young again. I can think of no one – young or old – who could and has withstood what he has. I know I couldn’t have. His eyes have seen much in his 89 years on this earth. He has taught me invaluable lessons about living and dying, and I will miss him terribly when he is gone. But, I know he is okay with it, and, in many ways, is embracing it. To want to keep him here reflects my selfishness. He is an amazing man, and I’m so proud and thankful that he is, and always will be, my Daddy.
There are other things that I could get into, but that is enough. I’m thankful for so many things. I’ve basically lived an unchallenged life. I’m happy that, for the most part, I’m pretty well prepared to handle the adversities that come my way. As stated by a wise soul, I “have a strong foundation when the winds of changes shift.” I do. I have a great faith, a great husband, a great family, and great friends, many who have traveled these paths ahead of me.
It helps make the inevitable changes a little softer and easier to handle.
Physically, this past year has been kind of a downer for me. I really don’t mind getting older, but I’m at odds with what is happening to me physically. I’ve always been in pretty good shape, and I’ve never had to work terribly hard to keep it that way. I’ve been very, very spoiled. Not so much anymore. Payback is a bitch, as they say. And, I’m having a more difficult time with it than I would have ever guessed. I think that once I can get myself out of my funk, I’ll get myself back on track.
There are few times when a divorce is a cause for celebration, but Jeff’s brother is finally divorcing his wife, who is a clinical sociopath. (An interesting psychological illness – there are more of them than you may realize – do a Google search if interested.) Their sick and sad drama has been going on for about 25 years, and thankfully its conclusion will soon be finalized.
My sister’s husband has lung cancer. It is a cancer that is more typically found in the elderly, and few elderly people can tolerate the strong chemo treatments. My brother-in-law is in his early 50’s and is tolerating the treatments very well. The bad thing is that the cancer is in both lungs (not a good sign). Good points are that the cancer has not spread beyond the lungs and the treatment is showing signs of working. He did smoke and it likely contributed to the cancer. However, his family has a hereditary lung disease that is the primary culprit. It has been a very, very difficult last couple of months.
My Dad’s heart is finally, slowly giving out, and my sister told me last week that the doctor said his time is pretty limited. I’m not devastated. Actually, while I’ll be as sad as anyone when he dies, I’ll be happy to know that he is free and young again. I can think of no one – young or old – who could and has withstood what he has. I know I couldn’t have. His eyes have seen much in his 89 years on this earth. He has taught me invaluable lessons about living and dying, and I will miss him terribly when he is gone. But, I know he is okay with it, and, in many ways, is embracing it. To want to keep him here reflects my selfishness. He is an amazing man, and I’m so proud and thankful that he is, and always will be, my Daddy.
There are other things that I could get into, but that is enough. I’m thankful for so many things. I’ve basically lived an unchallenged life. I’m happy that, for the most part, I’m pretty well prepared to handle the adversities that come my way. As stated by a wise soul, I “have a strong foundation when the winds of changes shift.” I do. I have a great faith, a great husband, a great family, and great friends, many who have traveled these paths ahead of me.
It helps make the inevitable changes a little softer and easier to handle.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
more music
As I posted earlier this year, I have been diggin’ emusic.
Here is a narrowed down list of some of my favorites that I have picked up off the site over the last couple of months:
Camper Van Beethoven: Popular Songs of Great Strength and Beauty
Cracker: Countrysides
Echo and the Bunnymen: B-Sides and Live (2001-2005)
Lloyd Cole: Anti Depressant
My Morning Jacket: Z
New Fast Automatic Daffodils: Pigeonhole
The Whigs: Give Em All A Big Fat Lip
Ultra Vivid Scene: Joy_1967-1990
-dn
Here is a narrowed down list of some of my favorites that I have picked up off the site over the last couple of months:
Camper Van Beethoven: Popular Songs of Great Strength and Beauty
Cracker: Countrysides
Echo and the Bunnymen: B-Sides and Live (2001-2005)
Lloyd Cole: Anti Depressant
My Morning Jacket: Z
New Fast Automatic Daffodils: Pigeonhole
The Whigs: Give Em All A Big Fat Lip
Ultra Vivid Scene: Joy_1967-1990
-dn
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
A Great Blog
I know I have been delinquent on blogging lately. I have a lot happening, but I will get back at it. I miss writing. It's therapeutic. Besides, I do have some thoughts about all the fun politics going on...
In the meantime, check out one of my favorite blogs: 5eskimos.
The author is Ginny Fagerstrom, the wife of one of my college roommates. She is very insightful, funny, and a great writer. Her themes revolve around family and daily life in Alaska. And even if you don't know her (which, I guess, would actually include me), her insights are pretty universal and entertaining.
Her latest post talks about the Alaska Governor. Also check out her "Heard at My House" sidebar. Great stuff.
In the meantime, check out one of my favorite blogs: 5eskimos.
The author is Ginny Fagerstrom, the wife of one of my college roommates. She is very insightful, funny, and a great writer. Her themes revolve around family and daily life in Alaska. And even if you don't know her (which, I guess, would actually include me), her insights are pretty universal and entertaining.
Her latest post talks about the Alaska Governor. Also check out her "Heard at My House" sidebar. Great stuff.
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